Dancesport mix of passion and hard work

In a flurry of fabric, beaded gowns and shiny shoes, dancers are impressing the judges with their ballroom moves.

The annual Dancesport Spectacular returned to Palmerston North’s Barber Hall on Saturday.

People came from as far as Whangarei and Christchurch to twirl their dresses and moustaches for the event, which has been run by Shirley Wall for more than 20 years.

Floor manager and Wall’s daughter Emily Wall said there were more than 200 people dancing at this year’s competition.

Wall said she was impressed with the number of people competing in the competition, especially in the juvenile section, which usually fluctuated in numbers each year.

Feilding mum Tracey Bevan watched her young son and daughter dance together across the wooden hall floors during their section of the competition.

Bevan took part in Feilding’s stars in your eyes competition two years ago and continued taking ballroom dance classes after.

Connor, 8, and Lauren Alexander, 7, were inspired by their mum and started dancing lessons about six months ago.

‘‘It’s amazing seeing them dance together because normally they’re fighting.’’

Whanganui dancers Ginny Thomson, 15, and Jared Moeke, 17, said they love dancing together as partners.

Thomson said not many of her friends were ballroom dancers but they were supportive, and helped her do her hair and get ready for competitions and shows.

It was a ‘‘great feeling’’ being able to dance confidently in front of large crowds, she said.

Esmeralda Young said she had been a ballroom dancer for about 15 years.

She said anyone could be a dancer if they had the passion, drive and dedication to it.